NJ S3709

Mail-in ballots received after polls close must be numbered and initialed by both a Republican and Democrat on the county board of elections on the date of receipt, before being canvassed.

After canvassing, late-arriving valid mail-in ballots cannot be separated from their inner envelopes until the 61st day after receipt, numbering, and initialing.

Only a Superior Court judge acting on a case before the court may access these mail-in ballots and inner envelopes during the 60-day retention period.

Valid mail-in ballots with postmarks on or before election day remain countable if received within 144 hours after polls close; ballots without postmarks are valid if received within 48 hours.